Category Archives: James Dean

Chase National Bank check, 6.25 x 2.75, filled out and signed by Dean, “James Dean,” payable to himself. “James Dean,” for $15, March 12, 1954, and again endorsed on the reverse, “James Dean,” above a 54th Street Tavern, Inc., stamp. In fine condition, with expected bank stamps and cancellation holes (only affecting his signature in the payee field). There are no folds and the check remains as crisp as the day it was cashed. Dean hung out at the 54th Street Tavern, which is mentioned in his biographies, and the establishment would cash his checks. Within one month of writing this check, Dean would be cast as Cal Trask in the screen adaptation of Steinbeck’s East of Eden, departing from New York on April 8, 1954, bound for Hollywood to begin shooting. An excessively rare Dean item signed three times, representing the time that he embarked on his short but bright cinematic career.

Iconic glossy 8 x 10 photo of the brooding young actor wearing a zippered jacket and white t-shirt resembling those from Rebel Without a Cause, boldly signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Phyllis, With my best wishes, James Dean.” In fine condition, with scattered surface creases and impressions, most of which are visible only at an angle, with the exception of one surface ding below his ear; overall a clean and supremely attractive piece. A truly spectacular, boldly signed example of one of Hollywood’s rarest and most sought after autographs. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Scarce vintage ballpoint signature and inscription, “To Linda, James Dean,” on an off-white 5 x 3.75 album page with an ink collector’s notation to the bottom. Also signed and inscribed on the reverse by John Agar. A uniform shade of toning, light scattered creases, irregularly cut right edge, light paper loss to the lower left, and a few stray ink marks between the inscription and signature, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.